100 Percent Wine Names Belo Cipriani Company Spokesperson

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A socially conscious winemaker working to expand opportunities for people with disabilities has partnered with a renowned disability advocate.

St. Louis, Missouri (PRWEB)May 09, 2016

Today, the founder of 100 Percent Wine, Scott Monette, named Belo Cipriani as the social venture’s national spokesperson. 100 Percent Wine, which donates all profits to nonprofit organizations working to employ people with disabilities, chose Cipriani because of his tireless advocacy on behalf of people living with disabilities (PLWD).

“We’re so excited that Belo will represent 100 Percent Wine on a national basis,” Monette says. “For many years, Belo has been an inspiration to myself, the blind community, and everyone working to expand opportunities for PLWD nationwide.”

Cipriani, a vocal proponent for LGBT, disabled, and minority rights, was recently named the 2015 Best Disability Advocate in the Bay Area and an Agent of Change by the Huffington Post. His first book, “Blind: a Memoir,” describes how Cipriani learned to cook, live, and date following an assault that permanently blinded him.

“I’m honored to speak for an organization working to solve this unemployment crisis,” Cipriani says. “Through the simple act of buying wine, 100 Percent Wine makes it easy for any person or organization to be part of a unique story and help drive systemic change.”

Cipriani agreed to serve as 100 Percent Wine’s spokesperson because the disabled community lacks a major media source to publicize their concerns and challenges. While PLWD are the largest minority in the United States, they rank the lowest for educational attainment and employment participation. Cipriani attributes this to a lack of public knowledge about PLWD's challenges.

“Educating our population on disabilities issues will produce awakened generations,” Cipriani says. “100 Percent Wine allows me to share the needs of this historically overlooked population in a friendly, relaxed way."

Monette contributes to publications such as Entrepreneur, St. Louis Business Journal, and Friendship Circle. He writes on topics ranging from disability rights to inclusivity to social entrepreneurship.